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Assessment Instruments
WIL Publications
Published Manuscripts
Skinner, Harvey. DAST Guide: Using the Drug (Ab)use Screening Test - First Edition 2025. Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada. https://wellnessimpactlab.com/dast-guide
This manual is a resource for using and interpreting the Drug Abuse Screening Test original version DAST and recently revised DAST-R. This updated Guide describes the developmental history of the DAST, explains why drug use screening and assessment remain critical, offers detailed guidance on administering and interpreting the DAST (including the revised forms), and outlines future directions for ongoing research, technological innovations and emergent trends in the substance use landscape.
Norman, Cameron; Skinner, Harvey; Milanti, Ariesta; Chan, Dorothy NS; So, Winnie KW. eHealth Literacy Scale Manual: eHEALS and eHEALS-R. First Edition 2025. Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, Toronto, Canada. www.wellnessimpactlab.com/eheals-revised-manual
This manual is a resource for using and interpreting the eHEALS and eHEALS-R tools. It offers guidance on assessing and improving eHealth literacy across diverse populations and settings.
Norman, Cameron; Skinner, Harvey; Milanti, Ariesta; Chan, Dorothy NS; So, Winnie KW. eHealth Literacy Scale Manual: eHEALS and eHEALS-R. First Edition 2025. Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, Toronto, Canada. www.wellnessimpactlab.com/eheals-revised-manual
In today’s digital age, the ability to effectively engage with online health information and digital health tools is essential for making informed health decisions. Yet, many individuals face challenges using digital tools effectively. To address this need, Norman and Skinner (2006) developed the eHealth Literacy Scale: eHEALS. Recently, an updated version - eHEALS-R - was created to reflect the increasing complexity of digital health interactions. This manual offers guidance on using the eHEALS and eHEALS-R scales for assessing eHealth literacy across diverse populations and settings
De Jong, A., Harris, S., Costanian, C., Skinner, H. Climate Cafés as a Space for Navigating Climate Emotions: A Scoping Review”. Journal of Climate Change and Health, 2025. https://doi.org.10.1016/j.joclim.2025.100466
Climate Cafés are informal spaces where people can talk about their feelings around climate change. A recent study looked into the world of Climate Cafés to better understand what they are, how they work, and whether they actually help people. This review found that while Climate Cafés have real promise, they also face challenges—especially around inclusivity and consistency. More research and investment are needed.
Skinner, H., Samadi, S., Khan, S. B., & Crowley, L. (2024). The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST): First 40 years and future developments. Canadian Journal of Addiction, 15(4). Canadian Journal of Addiction, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.1097/CXA.0000000000000222
Since the original article was published in Addictive Behaviors (1982) over 40 years ago, the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) has become one of the most widely used addictions instruments in North America and internationally for population and clinical screening, assessment, and research in a broad range of settings. This article reviews research covering the first 40 years, and then describes a revised version (DAST-R) with updated wording to reduce stigma.
Milanti, A., Norman, C., Chan, D.N.S., So, W.K.W.*, Skinner, H. eHealth Literacy 3.0: Updating the Norman and Skinner 2006 Model. Journal of Medial Internet Research. 2025;27:e70112) doi: 10.2196/70112
Since the original article was published in Addictive Behaviors (1982) over 40 years ago, the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) has become one of the most widely used addictions instruments in North America and internationally for population and clinical screening, assessment, and research in a broad range of settings. This article reviews research covering the first 40 years, and then describes a revised version (DAST-R) with updated wording to reduce stigma.
Seminars
This Earth Day webinar, led by Dr. Harvey Skinner and Susan Harris, offered a thoughtful space to reflect on the emotional toll of the climate crisis. Through meditation and shared insights, participants explored how inner healing can spark meaningful action.
Seminar Series: Climate Change and Mental Health: ‘Listening to the Canadian North
This powerful session featured Inuit leaders sharing stories of culture, resilience, and connection to the land. Elder Michael Kusugak, Bernice Kootoo Clarke, and Becky Han offered reflections on tradition, youth, and community strength in the face of climate change.
In this session, Sara Ferwati shared stories from her time in Nunavut and her Syrian heritage, exploring how climate change affects culture, identity, and mental health. Her reflections highlighted the need for community-led care that respects land, memory, and belonging.
This session highlighted how virtual learning is supporting mental health and cultural connection in Northern Indigenous communities. Speakers shared how tools like Connected North bring Elders, stories, and land-based knowledge into classrooms to strengthen identity and resilience.
This interactive workshop explored the roots of mindfulness and Qi Gong in Eastern traditions, followed by live audience practice. Presenters shared emerging Western evidence supporting these approaches as effective interventions for managing climate-related distress.
(Unfortunately, the recording is unavailable due to technical issues)